Q: Being a longtime CEREC user, could you describe how CEREC Primescan and CEREC Primemill have improved the workflow?
A: CEREC Primescan has made everything more accurate and faster. We can scan full arches in under 5 minutes, and are so much more efficient with simple quadrant cases. Paired with the CEREC Primemill and the super-fast milling of zirconia, we have shortened our indirect restorative visits significantly
Q: What types of services has the CAD/CAM workflow enabled you to add over the years?
A: In the beginning of my digital journey, about 15 years ago, the CEREC system was great for crowns, inlays, and onlays. Since then, we’ve added bridges, implant custom abutments and crowns, screw-retained implant-supported crowns, Maryland bridges, provisional bridges, veneers, and surgical guides. We rarely need to utilize a commercial lab for our procedures. Everything is in-house, which means we are saving time—both for ourselves and for our patients.
Q: How has the latest technology streamlined your implants and ortho procedures?
A: The integration with our CBCT makes implant planning and guided implant surgery a breeze. In fact, we have doubled our case acceptance on implants by offering to do the procedure in our office. We’re also using SureSmile clear aligners and it’s an easy integration with CEREC Primescan. Case acceptance for these procedures has defi nitely increased—it’s so convenient that we will take a patient out of hygiene and scan the same day if they tell us they're ready to move forward with aligners.
Q: What are some of the other services you provide using CAD/CAM technology?
A: We scan with the CEREC Primescan for everything except removable dentures, and with an in-house digital printer we create occlusal splints, sleep appliances, sports guards, whitening trays, Essix retainers, and our own aligners for simple cases. We can do this all the same day with no need for an extra visit.
Q: What would you tell those dentists who are still reluctant to use CAD/CAM technology or even an intraoral scanner?
A: Let's just say that if you took away my CEREC Primescan, CEREC Primemill, and CBCT, I would quit dentistry! I would tell other dentists that you owe it to yourself, your practice, and your patients to have the very latest technology. It really means better, safer, faster, and more profi table dentistry.
